EVALUATING THE IMPACT OF PEER COUNSELOR SELECTION AND TRAINING ON HIGH SCHOOL DISCIPLINE

Peer counselling has been adopted as a significant contributor of behaviour change among students in secondary schools. Peer counselling normally utilizes role playing as well as modelling to enhance discipline among the learners. The purpose of the study is to find out the relationship between criteria used in selection and training of peer counsellors and students’ discipline in selected schools in Ainamoi sub county, Kericho County in Kenya. The study adopted mixed methods: descriptive research design which utilized both qualitative and quantitative approach. The study was conducted in four selected high schools in Ainamoi Sub County. Stratified random sampling procedure was used to identify the schools while, purposive sampling procedure was used to select students, Guidance and counselling teachers and also deputy principals. Thus, a sample size of 280 respondents were engaged in this study: The questionnaire and interview schedule were utilized in this study. The findings indicated that selection and training of peer counsellors was done which significantly enhanced discipline in the respective schools (P<0.05). Training and induction were given to peer counsellors through seminars with the help of internal or external counsellors. In addition, character and traits were examined before selection of peer counsellors. The processes of selection of peer counsellors involved the students, teachers as well as the administration. Results on strategies used indicated that discussion and group counselling were the mostly adopted strategies used in promoting discipline in the schools. The study concluded that selection procedure and training of peer counsellors had significant role in improving discipline of students in schools. The study recommends that the school should enhance training and seminar programmes that improve the skills and knowledge of peer counsellors in secondary schools.